Apple has poached Vimeo's European head of PR, Nikki Thompson, for a senior PR role within its UK comms operation.

PRWeek understands that Thompson will lead comms for Apple's hardware devices, including the iPad, iPhone and iPod, across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

It is understood that Thompson replaces Nick Grange, who Apple confirmed has departed the business.

Grange joined Apple alongside Rob Saunders in a high-profile strengthening of its comms team in 2011. Grange joined from Activision, where he was head of European PR. He had previously headed X-Box PR at Microsoft.

Before Vimeo, Thompson was an account director at JCPR and previously worked at Weber Shandwick, Hotwire and Ranieri Communications.

Vimeo global comms director Deborah Szajngarten said there was no immediate plan to replace Thompson. Szajngarten will handle European PR duties from the US and the company will continue to work with Firefly Communications in the UK.